East Kentwood football coach resigns, details why he is stepping down as season begins

KENTWOOD, MI – Greg Hudkins, who was about to enter his fifth season as coach at East Kentwood, resigned late Monday night after speaking with family members and the school athletic department.

“There are just some personal issues with my family, with another family member, and it’s just more important to step back and take care of them,” he said when contacted Tuesday. “We’ll wait a year and see what happens.”

Jeremy Gasper, who has been an assistant head coach in charge of the defense the past three seasons, steps in as interim head coach until a full search can be conducted, the school announced.

“He has some head coaching experience (at Newaygo) so that will help,” Hudkins said.

Hudkins had coached the Falcons for the past four seasons. Gasper is no stranger to the program, having served as an assistant coach under Hudkins the last three years, working as East Kentwood’s defensive coordinator. Gasper previously taught and coached in the Newaygo Public School system.

“East Kentwood has always had a tradition of strong coaching staffs,” said East Kentwood Principal John Keenoy. “Coach Gasper is ready to work with the team and the coaching staff has been well prepared for another great year.”

Camps opened across the state Monday, marking the start of the 2012 season. Season openers will be played the weekend of Aug. 23-25.

Hudkins’ most successful season at the helm came in 2009 when he guided the Falcons to the state playoffs and a 5-5 record. The Falcons went 11-26 over the past four years combine, including 3-6 a year ago.

During the transition if parents have questions, they can contact Gasper at 616-698-6700, ext. 4